According to his Universe release bio, Countdown was an Autobot who - before the war between both factions started - was already liberating the residents of threatened worlds from the tyranny of evil. This is not far off his Generation bio, which states that "Countdown's mission is to roam the universe, find planets threatened by Decepticon activity, and meddle to the Autobots' benefit. He looks forward to the day when the Decepticons are defeated, and he can start toppling other tyrannical regimes." He also possesses a rocket to do so.
The figure created from this Micromaster is one of my first Ultra-class figures, and one of the best as well. He is a repaint of Cybertron Defense Red Alert (this guy). He also features the biggest damn missile I've ever seen on a Transformer.
Here it is beside TRU Exlusive RUD Scourge. Damn, that is big (and phalic). It also has a gimmick, but I'll leave that for the Gimmick section.
VEHICLE:
As you can tell, Countdown is an armoured missile-launching vehicle; basically the same type of vehicle as Onslaught, but with a missile rather than two mounted rocket-launchers. The first thing that jumps out at you is how big this mode is; compared beside a deluxe class, it's nearly twice as long and high respectively. This mode rolls quite nicely despite the wheels being very thin, and the missile launcher can pivot to about 45 degrees (however, it can't turn sadly). This mode also has a small two-barreled gun that can lift up. Other than that, there is not much else to this mode.
Vehicle: 19.5/25
ROBOT:
Wow. This robot mode is spectacular. It is very big, very stable in numerous positions and has the biggest cannon on any Ultra-class figure. This is also a much needed upgrade from the Micromaster version of this character. Think about it...would you rather play with this guy or a Mini-con-style figure? One thing I have to note is the light-piping on Countdown's head is useless; the back half of the vehicle mode stands just high enough that it blocks the light from actually activating the purple visor. I feel this was a waste of light-piping and would have been better as a paint app instead.
ARTICULATION:
Head: 360 degree rotation
Shoulders: 360 degree rotation, 90 degree (backward) pivot
Elbows: 360 degree rotation, 90 degree (forward) pivot
Hands: 360 degree rotation
Waist: 360 degree rotation
Thighs: ~135 degree rotation either way, 90 degree outward pivot
Knees: 360 degree rotation, 90 degree bend
Feet: n/a
Other: Countdown's missile/shoulder cannon can pivot ~45 degree upward, but this is a weak joint, so don't expect it to stay like that for very long.
Articulation: 23.5/25
GIMMICK:
Countdown's main gimmick is his cyber-key. The cyber key was the main feature of the toys for the Transformers: Cybertron line from 2005. They usually were used to unlock special features of a toy, such as hidden missile launchers or other assorted goodies. In Countdown's case, his cyber unlocks two items. Firstly, his missile, which is also a shoulder-mounted cannon.
The other activates Countdown's utility arm, which is another one of his features.
The second gimmick is something that most Ultra-class figures usually have. Countdown - being an Ultra-class figure - has lights and sounds; all contained within the missile. Firstly when you detach the missile from its launcher, you hear the standard missile rocket engines. The second is activated when you plug in the cyber-key into the missile launcher, the sides flip out amid lights and the sound of a medley of computer beeps. It also requires to AAA batteries to run. This is cool to have, but can be annoying if you hate sound effects.
The final gimmick is Countdown's utility arm attachment. As mentioned, Countdown's cyber key activates this gimmick. This is activated by the cyber key as well, and attaches to either arm by means of two pegs. The end of the arm has a hole where two attachments can plug in; a hammer and a claw aperture.
Both ends store in behind the legs, and are inter-changeable depending on the "situation" that Countdown is required to deal with. Combined, these gimmicks are both very interesting and unique to Countdown's mold, which is a lot more than what can be said about other figures.
Gimmick: 23/25
FUN FACTOR:
First and foremost, Countdown is an armoured vehicle, which has a freaking missile. This alone can be used for hours of entertainment...heck, he could be used as a portable rocket base and his missile is a rocket. Secondly, his robot mode is very articulate, allowing for various poses, his cyber key and his utility arm gimmicks and his sheer size are all factors that will attract the attention of any child that gets their hands on this figure. (Assuming the collectors leave some.)
Fun factor: 22.5/25
OVERVIEW:
When I first saw this figure, I simply wished to purchase it as a collectible and nothing more. But after I opened him up and played around with him, I started to enjoy what he had to offer more and more. Countdown is one of the better Ultra-class figures out today, despite
being a repaint of a Cybertron-line figure.
My score for TRU Exclusive Universe Countdown: 88.5/100
Countdown offers many gimmicks and options in both vehicle and robot mode, and is a worthy addition to your collection. However, it may be hard to find him as mine was the only one of all the Ultra-class figures at our local Toys 'R' Us, so expect to search at a few stores or on eBay to find him if your truly wish to purchase him. Still, if you do search and find him, the reward is well worth the time you used.
No comments:
Post a Comment